Equity markets in India started positively, with BSE Sensex rising initially, but later reversed gains influenced by weak trends in Asian markets. Early in the day, Sensex increased by 155.62 points, and Nifty by 53.15 points. However, both indices retreated later, with Sensex down 177.54 points, and Nifty down 53.25 points. Key gainers included Tata Steel and Reliance Industries, while Hindustan Unilever and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards. Global factors, including US market uncertainty, contribute to the current market challenges. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,696.86 crore on Friday.